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Introduction to SLC and the SSBJ Subcommittee

The Sustainability Leadership Community (SLC) is Japan's largest network for leaders dedicated to sustainability, boasting 795 members and 514 affiliated companies as of June 2025. Under the concept of 'Sustainability Together', SLC aims to elevate literacy on sustainability activities through shared learning. On July 15, 2025, SLC held its inaugural SSBJ subcommittee meeting, a platform designed for practical discussions and lessons focusing on the SSBJ standards.

SLC Overview

SLC provides a free, registered community aimed at companies and individuals promoting sustainability. Managed by Booost Inc., which develops a leading sustainability ERP, SLC organizes regular events including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking gatherings. These events serve as a platform for sharing the latest case studies and exchanging information regarding everyday operations to advance corporate sustainability management.

The SSBJ Standards and Its Importance

Introduced by the Sustainability Standards Committee (SSBJ) in March 2025, the SSBJ standards outline essential disclosure guidelines for sustainability practices. Starting from fiscal year 2027, companies with a market capitalization of over ¥3 trillion listed on the Prime Market will be required to disclose both financial and non-financial information simultaneously. This requirement will extend to firms with a market cap of ¥1 trillion by 2028 and ¥500 billion by 2029.

The SSBJ standards call for increased transparency in non-financial disclosures, addressing aspects such as governance structures, GHG emissions calculations, risk management including supply chains, and the financial impacts of sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Many practitioners in companies eager to swiftly comply with these requirements are seeking practical forums for exchanging experiences and solutions to real-world challenges. Thus, SLC has established this subcommittee to facilitate honest sharing of initiatives and professional challenges faced by companies.

SSBJ Subcommittee Inaugural Session

The inaugural SSBJ subcommittee attracted a dozen participants from sustainability, investor relations (IR), and management planning departments of Prime-listed companies with market caps exceeding ¥500 billion. Special guest lecturer Taichi Yoshida from BSI Group Japan provided insights on the background of SSBJ, global trends, the composition and overview of the SSBJ standards, and the implications and practical challenges for businesses. Attendees collaboratively explored their current compliance status using an 'SSBJ Compliance Checklist' and engaged in group discussions aimed at problem-solving.

The session concluded with a networking event, which encouraged further lively discussions on each company's initiatives and collaborations. An exit survey revealed that participants found the session highly beneficial for their job functions. For inquiries about participation in the subcommittee, interested parties can reach out to the SLC administrative office via [email protected].

Schedule and Benefits of the SSBJ Subcommittee

The SSBJ subcommittee sessions are scheduled monthly from July 2025 to January 2026 and target practitioners and managers from sustainability, management planning, and IR departments. They will consist of lectures paired with group discussions, ensuring an interactive learning environment.

Benefits of Participation:

• - Gain foundational understanding of SSBJ and the practical challenges faced by businesses from a sustainability perspective.
• - Learn from advanced cases presented by peers and apply insights to enhance your company's practices.
• - Share practical knowledge through networking with industry counterparts.
• - Acquire 'articulated knowledge' that can be utilized for explaining concepts to executives and across departments.

SLC is committed to organizing more subcommittees and events that resonate with practitioners in the future, providing comprehensive support for corporate sustainability initiatives.

Addressing the Sustainability 2026 Challenge

Many businesses face the 'Sustainability 2026 issue', characterized by delayed action and a lack of urgency regarding mandatory disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. Failing to address this could significantly lower corporate value. To combat this, Booost Inc. launched the 'Japan as a Leading SX Nation' initiative in November 2024, aiming to elevate Japan's global presence through enhanced sustainability practices and corporate value.

This initiative involves events and support measures tailored to both practical professionals and executive stakeholders, including the SLC and subcommittee fostering dialogues centered on practicality.

About SLC

Founded on February 27, 2023, the SLC community aims to facilitate extensive literacy enhancements related to sustainability. It enables free networking through daily exchanges on the 'Sustainability SNS' online platform and physical events focused on discussion, up-to-date case studies, and shared challenges. Since its first event in April 2022, SLC has conducted six successful gatherings.

Find more about SLC and register at SLC Official Website and registration form here.

Managed by: Booost Inc. Website

Note: Sustainability ERP 'booost Sustainability' aids in managing sustainability-related financial information effectively, offering comprehensive automation of data collection and reporting for global compliance.